Harimanok Inc., the franchise company of JT’s Manukan Grille, said it signed a joint venture agreement with food court operator Asian Food Mall to open of a new outlet in Singapore in May 2024.
The new international store will be located at Asian Food Mall in Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. Lucky Plaza is one of the most successful shopping centers in Singapore.
Joel Torre, actor and chief executive of Harimanok Inc. said he is excited to represent the inasal in Singapore because the city-state is a significant socio-cultural and food hub.
“The move is in line with our vision to make JT’s a global brand, serving Filipino regional food to our kababayan expats and people of other nationalities as well,” said Torre, who is also an award-winning actor and indie film producer/director.
“We are excited for the arrival of JT’s Manukan Grille to the vibrant and diverse food scene in Singapore. Together with Joel Torre, we look forward to satisfying the taste buds of the locals and the Filipino community here, bringing the authentic taste of Bacolod Chicken Inasal to the Lion City,” said Wong Ban Ming, managing director of Asian Food Mall.
This is JT’s Manukan Grille’s second venture internationally. The restaurant opened a branch in Guam in 2019, but had to close shop at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The Singapore store is the company’s foray in Southeast Asia outside the Philippines, and the company sees it as a springboard for growth around the region.
JT’s Manukan Grille menu in Singapore will include its famous Chicken Inasal and other Filipino favorites such as “batchoy” and “cansi.” These items will be available for dine in guests as well as for home delivery.
JT’s Manukan Grille operates 38 stores around the country and aggressively expands in the provinces.